On Wednesday, players of the Nigerian national team threatened not to travel to the city of Marrakesh on Thursday for an anticipated quarter-final match against Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The threat came in protest of the delayed payment of player bonuses, an internal crisis that has repeated many times in previous tournaments, striking the “Super Eagles” camp once again.
Reports on Wednesday indicated a state of discontent among the players and members of the technical staff, prompting them to threaten to boycott the trip unless the outstanding dues are paid.
It was confirmed that the bonuses for 2025 have not been paid to date.
Mention was made of bonuses for winning 4 matches.
It was confirmed that the players have not conducted any recent training sessions while awaiting a resolution to the crisis.
Nigeria is scheduled to face Algeria in the tournament’s quarter-final in Marrakesh on Saturday, following a strong run by the “Super Eagles” who achieved a perfect record in the group stage and a big 4-0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16.
Players previously boycotted a training session before the match against Gabon, which was also held in Morocco in November 2025, as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria
Nigeria is a West African country with a rich history shaped by ancient kingdoms like the Nri and Benin, British colonial rule, and independence in 1960. It is Africa’s most populous nation and a major cultural and economic hub, renowned for its diverse ethnic groups, vibrant arts, and significant global contributions in music and film.
Marrakesh
Marrakesh is a historic city in western Morocco, founded in 1062 by the Almoravid dynasty. It served as a capital and a major political, economic, and cultural center, renowned for its Medina—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and iconic landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Algeria
Algeria is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient Berber kingdoms, Roman rule, and centuries as a core province of the Ottoman Empire. It was colonized by France in the 19th century before gaining independence in 1962 after a protracted war of liberation. The nation’s cultural heritage is prominently displayed at sites like the Roman ruins of Timgad and the Casbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first contested in 1957. It was founded to celebrate African football independence and unity, with Egypt winning the inaugural tournament.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Fez and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, reflect this blend of Arab, Islamic, and Amazigh heritage. The country is also known for its well-preserved medieval medinas and historic kasbahs.
Mozambique
Mozambique is a country in Southeast Africa with a rich history shaped by Bantu-speaking peoples, Arab trade, Portuguese colonization, and a long struggle for independence achieved in 1975. Its cultural sites include the Island of Mozambique, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the former Portuguese colonial capital and a major trading post on the Indian Ocean for centuries.
Gabon
Gabon is a country on the west coast of Central Africa, historically inhabited by Bantu peoples and later explored by the Portuguese in the 15th century. It became a French colony in the late 19th century and gained independence in 1960, with its economy historically centered on timber and later dominated by offshore oil production. The country is known for its significant biodiversity, including large rainforests that are part of the Congo Basin, and its cultural sites include the Lopé National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its ecological and archaeological value.
